PATCA professionalism

This has reference to a story in the Philippine STAR on Jan. 9, 2012 entitled “Air traffic controllers eye work slowdown” by Rainier Allan Ronda.

Part of the article reads, “The air traffic controllers of the Civil Aviation . . . are considering staging a work slowdown to express . . . frustration over the failure of the agency’s officials to release their 14th month bonus”.

In letter dated 02 January 2012, the undersigned had explained that the delay in the release of the 14th month bonus should not be blamed on CAAP incumbent officials, including the Board. The proposal for the grant of 14th month bonus was submitted early to the Task Force on Corporate Compensation, which then referred it to the Governance Commission for GOCCs (GCG), created under the GOCC Governance Act of 2011 to oversee any request for non-legislated benefits among GOCCs, for review and recommendation to the President.

Moreover, it should be pointed out that, inasmuch as CAAP enjoys fiscal autonomy, Section 15 of the CAAP Law states that the utilization of any funds shall be subject to the examination of the Congressional Oversight Committee. Also, Section 18 on Compensation and Other Emoluments of Authority Personnel does not include a provision on 14th month bonus.

With regard to work slowdown, the Philippine Air Traffic Controllers Association (PATCA), to which the CAAP air traffic controllers are members, categorically denies issuance of such statement and reiterates that PATCA would never set aside professionalism for any amount of money.

Still hoping that the request for an equal opportunity to print our side finally be granted by your Editorial Board.